Canal Days

Each year, the City of Port Colborne, Ontario hosts The Canal Days ® Marine Heritage Festival. This not-for-profit event is traditionally held during the Canadian civic holiday weekend in August (aka Simcoe Day) and with over 100,000 visitors, over four days, it is one of the largest free festivals of its kind.

Port Colborne is located on the north-east shore of Lake Erie, on the southern portion of the Niagara peninsula, and is about 15 minutes drive from the US border at Buffalo. The city is also the southern terminus of the Welland Canal, where ocean vessels pass through the downtown area on their way into the inner Great Lakes, or out to sea.

During Canal Days ® the downtown streets and lift-bridges are closed to traffic, giving way to vendors, buskers, food merchants, and many attractions: A fully supervised Children's area features live entertainment, or, you can take the kids to the carnival midway for rides and games. There's a live bird of prey and reptile exhibit, and Tall Ships moored along the canal wall can be toured. Special cruises are available on these historic ships as well, including a day long journey from Lake Ontario, through the locks.

At the Lock 8 viewing complex, local crafters and artists are featured at the Hidden Treasures vending area, and the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich past. Local shops and bistros along storied West Street welcome visitors on their way to H.H. Knoll park for Ontario's largest outdoor vintage car show and kite display. And fans of big band music shouldn't miss the Jazz on the Lawn at the Roselawn Centre for the Living Arts.

Nightly concerts in the fully licenced Market Square are also a big part of the festival: Classic Rock headliners, Coutry artists, tribute bands, and local favorites heat up the summer nights in this great outdoor venue. $2.00 donations are accepted for these shows.

The festival culminates with a boat parade along the Port Colborne canal corridor and a massive fireworks display over the water. Call 1-888-PORT-FUN.